Agoraphobia and Panic Disorder

Fear is a natural human emotion that we all feel from time to time. While these feelings are normal, feeling this way all the time can be unhealthy. Chronic fear and anxiety can lead to panic and even panic disorder. WebMD states that panic disorder “is a serious condition that strikes without reason or warning… During a panic attack, the fear response is out of proportion for the situation, which often is not threatening.” Panic attacks make you more susceptible to other anxiety disorders, depression, and even substance abuse. Panic disorder can impact your quality of life and even make you avoid things you used to enjoy.

Thankfully panic disorder is treatable with proper interventions. Therapy and psychiatric medication management can be powerful ways to treat and overcome this disorder.

Symptoms of Panic Disorder

If you have panic disorder, you know that it feels like it is taking over your life. It can be debilitating, even when panic attacks are sporadic, and more so when they happen with frequency. Intense waves of panic can come without warning, even when you’re asleep or calm. If the symptoms are recurring, it can leave you with extreme worry and paranoia.

These symptoms are actually the body’s reactions to fear called the “fight-or-flight response.” They are meant to put your body in a state of alertness to better respond to danger. However, when panic is repeatedly triggered it can affect your health in a negative way.

The Anxiety Network likens these symptoms to a heart attack. Symptoms may also include:

  • Racing or pounding heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Feeling that “I can’t catch my breath”
  • Chest pains or a “heaviness” in the chest
  • Feeling flush or chills
  • Tingling in the hands, feet, legs, arms
  • Jumpiness, trembling, twitching muscles
  • Sweaty palms, flushed face
  • Terror
  • Fear of losing control
  • Fear of a stroke that will lead to disability
  • Fear of dying
  • Fear of going crazy

What is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is a type of panic disorder. Symptoms also include:

  • Fear of leaving home
  • Fear of crowds or waiting in line
  • Difficulty being in enclosed spaces
  • Fear of open spaces as well
  • Avoidance of situations that cause fear
  • Extreme distress in social situations

The fear experienced with agoraphobia is not a reasonable response to the given situation aka the fear is not experienced in relation to danger.

Panic disorder can lead to agoraphobia when you avoid possible panic triggers so much that you are afraid to leave your home or comfort zone. While shying away from places and situations is occasionally possible, some can’t be completely avoided, especially those related to work or school. You may develop a general tendency to stay in your comfort or safe zones and socially withdraw.

Agoraphobia can considerably restrict your life. It can make it difficult for you to pursue a career, go to school, maintain relationships etc. It can rob you of opportunities.

Moving Forward

You are not alone in your battle against panic disorder. 2.7% of US adults have had panic disorder, says the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH). It is quite possible that this number is higher as it can only reflect the number of individuals who have been diagnosed, many go untreated. You don’t have to face panic alone, counseling and medication management can help.

Carolina Counseling Services in Southern Pines, North Carolina contracts with skilled licensed therapists and psychiatric professionals who know how to treat panic disorder. Providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), Tricare, Medicaid and many more. Call now to get started.

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.